Programs & Academics

Curriculum

GMA Academy was established by a group of qualified, experienced teachers with a goal to create a day school that offers academic excellence & holistic education rooted in individualised studies & outdoor, experiential learning - where students learn by doing. This belief is the philosophy for all of our programs; as the students are engaged through inquiry-based exploration and effective classroom teaching, which leads to a growth mindset based on creativity, passion and dedication.

In order to achieve our goal we have borrowed from the best and most-relevant aspects of
several teaching/learning pedagogies to create our unique, innovative curriculum, including:

Ontario Kindergarten Program

Ontario Curriculum

Singapore Math

Montessori

Waldorf

Forest School Canada

International Primary Years Program

Rainbow Kids Yoga

By combining all of these innovative approaches to education together with a touch of wonderful Muskoka, we have developed a hands-on approach to learning that engages a wide variety of learners and is relevant in today's changing world. Low class numbers and lots of 1:1 time with the teachers ensures each student enjoys and succeeds in their school life.

Programs

Nature Preschool (ages 1 -3)

With a safe and exciting indoor space and our private forest, our Nature
Preschool is the ideal location for children aged 1-3 to explore the
world around them. Our program is delivered by qualified and
experienced teachers, combing aspects of Forest School and outdoor education to
develop the whole child: academically, socially, emotionally, physically
and creatively.

Kindergarten & Early Learners(JK-Grade 1)

As a stepping stone from our
Nature Preschool, the Kindergarten Class continues to allow each individual child to
flourish by utilising our outdoor education as a platform for inspiring
imagination & inquiry based learning, developing problem solving skills and
children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. Academic foundations are also developed further with regular classes in phonics & mathematics.

Junior Class (Grade 2-4) & Senior Class (Grade 5-8)

Students enjoy a
comprehensive curriculum that includes instruction in English Language, Math,
Science & Technology, Social Studies, French, Art, Food Health and Nutrition Studies (FHNS), Physical &
Outdoor Education (POE) and Mixed Arts (Yoga, Music & Drama). The heart of our educational approach is the belief that all students can
achieve success and meet their learning goals with the proper support. Mixed grade classes and our individualised approach to academic studies removes ceilings on success and allows each child to progress and excel at their own pace.

Academic & Hands-on Learning

GMA Academy follows a weekly schedule that adheres to all the subjects within the Ontario curriculum; being sure to teach the most relevant objectives and topics throughout the school year.

Everyday starts with the CORE subjects of Math and Language being taught in the first block - when the brain is fresh and eager for information and growth. Many of these lessons take place in a traditional classroom setting with the students working at their own pace through their specific objectives.

Language - lessons focus on a balance of reading,
writing, speaking and listening. Students are encouraged to read on a daily
basis by following our reading scheme, which is also available online, and
by choosing books from our library. Language lessons are taught in a cross
curricular fashion as much as possible in order to create strong links between
subjects and to make learning relevant and purposeful.

Math - the
Singaporean approach is followed due to its historical and continuing success
as a program which equips students with a strong foundation in mathematics and
high level logical thinking and critical problem solving skills. Math lessons
focus on:

developing a deep understanding of the
core skills to ensure a strong mathematical foundation

Science & Technology - following the Ontario curriculum objectives students will utilize our natural environment to begin to relate science and technology, to society and the environment, develop the skills, strategies, and habits of mind required for scientific inquiry and to practise technological problem solving to explore the basic concepts of science and technology; with the overall goal to understand the natural and human designed world.

Social Studies - utilizing real life scenarios, stories, social activities, games and creative challenges in the field of geography, history, Canadian and World studies, students will have the opportunity to learn about their world around them - both near and far. Outdoor and structured indoor learning will enable students to become responsible, active citizens within the diverse communities to which they belong. As well as becoming critically thoughtful and informed citizens who value an inclusive society, students will have the skills they need to solve problems and communicate ideas and decisions about significant developments, events, and issues. Special attention will focus on Canadian Indigenous Studies learning about their role in our history, current issues and their symbiotic connection with the natural world.

Arts (Art, Yoga, Music & Drama) - using the lakes, forests, rivers, rocks, mud, flowers, plants, animals and the other wonders of the natural world as a backdrop for inspiration and beauty, our students create art out of life. We use natural materials and the environment to build, paint, make music, sing, dance, and perform.

French - taught by a native speaker our French instruction takes the form of real life, active learning, with students cooking, serving and eating meals, learning bush-craft skills, performing plays, playing games on the field, working in the garden and hiking; providing engagement and opportunities to communicate in French in normal situations . Active French is complimented with traditional class work on vocabulary, grammar and writing to help solidify the learning.

Food, Nutrition & Health Studies (FNHS) - working in the garden, tapping for maple syrup, learning how to make healthy food choices, visiting local food producers and helping to create and prepare daily balanced meals is all a part of the learning that takes places in FNHS. Student learn skills that they will benefit from for a lifetime and help them prosper emotionally, physically & mentally.

Specialist Teachers & Lessons

To enrich the curriculum, GMA Academy seeks out specialist teachers to share their passion and knowledge with our students during specialist lessons throughout the year. A fresh face is an excellent way for the students to learn a specific skill or gain a better understanding of a curriculum topic; while also getting an opportunity to work with an expert who employs different strategies for teaching, communicating and sharing information.

Information Communication Technology (ICT)

Today's learner needs to become competent in how to use information & communication technology to further their education and live in the 21st century world, however the amount of screen time children are exposed to is carefully monitored at GMA Academy. Through safe and mindful practise, our students use technology to aid their academics and personal interests in a controlled, educational manner; allowing them the tools and skills they need to compete in a global and technologically advanced society. Google Chromebooks, tablets and the Seesaw Ap are regularly used to share information, organize data, research, investigate and communicate.

Assessment

Assessment of pupil's progress and learning
is continuous through Teacher Assessment. Alongside this, Assessment for
Learning ensures the provision of differentiated learning opportunities that
teachers are aware of each child's potential, and that next step targets can be
identified.

Reports are completed by the class and
specialist subject teachers twice a year. These not only describe progress but
also set targets for future learning. Twice a year we invite parents to meet
their child's CORE teachers to discuss their child's education and development.

Learning Objectives are shared using the SeeSaw Ap, so that parents can see student work, learning and achievement as it happens.